Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina means divine reading, and it’s a practice that leads into a deeper understanding of God’s word. Lectio is not bible study, it’s something radically different. In lectio scripture becomes a place for a personal encounter with the Living God, it’s an emotional rather than intellectual experience.

Sometimes lectio divina can seem like an overwhelming practice- or one that but with a little preparation you can really get a lot out of this one. Here are some basic steps for beginning your practice of Lectio Divina:

How to do it:

Step One- preparation

• Choose a time when you have at least 30 minutes to dedicate to this practice (longer is better- remember this one is about going as slowly as possible)

• Select a passage of Scripture to engage with (See lower down for suggestions)

• Make sure you are sitting comfortably

• Slow your breath, breathe deeply

Step Two- first reading of the passage: Listen

• As you read, notice if there is a word or phrase that attracts your attention. I often think of this as a sticky or highlighted word

• Let that word stop you, stay with it- it is God’s word for you today

• Sit quietly mulling it over in your mind you can do this for as long as it feels right)

  • Then say the word out loud before moving on to…

Step Three- second reading of the passage: Connect

• Read the passage again.

• This time notice where the scripture connects with your life right now,

• Reflect on this: is God inviting you to respond in some way? To take action? To be patient?

  • Allow Scripture to lead you in a prayerful response- don’t censor your feelings or thoughts in this moment, allow them to be spontaneous as you sit before the Lord.

• Take as long as you want to before....

Step Four- third reading of the scripture: Receive

• Deeply receive God’s word for you today, and sit peacefully in his presence and love

• Give yourself time to wait, to be still before you get back to life as usual

• Stay with God until you feel prompted to leave

Scriptures that work well for Lectio Divina:

Any scripture can work for this practice, however, I don’t know many people who find (as a random example... ) genealogies to be particularly stimulating over long periods of time.This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it might get you started!

• 1 Samuel 30:1-6; Help for discouraged leaders

• 2 Kings 6:8-17; Surrounded by angels

• Psalm 1; Ways to live and lead

• Psalm 13; Dark night of the soul

• Psalm 23; God’s provision

• Matthew 3:13-17; Baptized in Christ

• Matthew 11:25-30; An easy yoke

• Mark 1:14-20; Follow Me

• Luke 1: 26-38; Receiving God’s Word

• Luke 22:24-34; Faith and Failure

• John 5:1-20; Join the Father’s Work

• Romans 8:1-11; Live Through the Spirit

• Ephesians 2:11-22; Reconciled through Christ

• Philippians (pick any chapter this book is short, but full of hope and joy)

Wrapping up

In formal Lectio there are more steps, each time you go through your chosen scripture with a different emphasis. The shortened version outlined here is, I think, a helpful launch pad to more in-depth practices.

Now, this practice may not “work” for you the first time you try it, but even setting aside time to slow down, to calm down and to rest in the Word can be hugely beneficial to your spiritual well-being. However, I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in scripture and that by slowing down, reading a passage of scripture more than once and really savouring it- God will speak to you in a new way.

Keep Practicing,

What scripture has spoken to your heart lately? Are you a fan of genealogies? Let me know! By email (meghanlamatthews@gmail.com) or on Instagram (@itsmeghanmatthews)